Why teach?

A lot of people, if you dare ask them, will say, “People who go into education are crazy!” They might, to a reasonable extent, be right for various reasons. I have to admit, my younger, immature, and self-centered self thought the same.

My family is a family of teachers—my aunt, my other aunt, my mom, and my dad are (or were) teachers. I admired them for their dedication to pouring themselves out for people who, by a slim chance, might remember them for life.

Unconsciously and unintentionally, my parents had involved me in many teaching opportunities when I was young. Well, I wouldn’t actually give them all the credit for that because I believe, as cliché as it sounds, it was all God’s direction that led me to those opportunities.

As a teenager, I handled Sunday School classes, getting my first taste of classroom management disasters while also discovering the joy of having tiny human fanatics—despite the fact that I had no idea what I was doing. Teachers, sound familiar? Looking back, it was definitely the divine work of the Holy Spirit that enabled me to stand in front of those tiny humans, speak about God’s stories in the Bible, and sometimes sing Jana Alayra’s songs with them. I have to admit, I had my share of fun with her songs.

Eventually, Sunday School led to Outreach Programs at my home and another nearby area. Each Saturday, a few other youth members and I would walk a few blocks away, hoping some kids would show up to sing Jana Alayra’s songs, listen to awesome Bible stories, and share snacks with us. Many times, as we stepped into their compound, the kids would already be waiting around the corner to see if we’d come.

When they saw us, they’d start running and calling other children: “Anjan na si ma’am, anjan na si sir,” (meaning, “ma’am and sir are here”). Soon, tiny humans would be running our way, eager to spend time with us. It didn’t matter what reasons they had. All that mattered is that they were there, bringing hearts ready for seeds of the Good News.

Apart from church activities, my mom initiated a semi-homeschool program using the School of Tomorrow curriculum in our home, where I occasionally assisted her. There, I got my first observations of classroom decor, individualized learning approaches, and the inspiration to homeschool my own children someday.

Despite these immersive experiences, I didn’t understand that I had a calling for teaching until all doors closed on me after culinary school. Randomly, one of my friends from church talked to me about this scholarship program in Indonesia that trains Christian teachers. I know, right? Such a God move.

Stephen, my friend, managed to convince me to apply—just a week before the application deadline. But because it was a “God thing,” I completed all the requirements in no time and got in. I ended up taking a full Bachelor’s in Education in Indonesia for three years, and it was there that I found my “why” in teaching.

First, I teach because God made me to be a teacher. He has showered me with the gift of teaching and the love for it. Honestly, even if I tried to run from it, He would lead me back time and again. Trust me—I’ve tried.

Second, I see teaching as an opportunity to plant seeds of the Good News in the tender (and sometimes rock-hard) hearts of students being prepared to bring about God’s Kingdom wherever they go. Although the returns aren’t always promising, I believe no heart is too far for God to reach.

My third reason? Teaching is crazy and fun. If you love drama like I do, this is the job for it! Not only do I get a daily dose of tea, but I also get to solve “tangled tales.” Kidding aside, there’s so much at stake in teaching, and sometimes that means being a sounding board for young souls dealing with real-life struggles. Children need to feel heard and safe with an adult, but—hate to break it to you—they don’t always get that at home. As a teacher, being that adult is sweet and such a divine privilege to “touch base” with them on a deeper emotional and spiritual level.

It’s refreshing to recall and write about the roots of my teaching career, remembering the God-moments that shaped it and the reasons I’m still here—five years and counting. There’s so much learning and growth in teaching, and I count myself fortunate—rather, blessed—to be worthy of such a calling. Looking ahead, I’m excited to share more about the crazy ride that is teaching. Feel free to explore other posts that might be helpful or just fun to read.

By the way, do you know what the greatest bonus was from the scholarship program I took in Indonesia? I found the love of my life there. But that’s another story for another time.